Legislative Update – School Finance

by Coy Holcombe.

The Texas House passed HB 3646 a few days ago. A similar bill, with amendments, was passed out of the Texas Senate. Since the House bill and the Senate bill differ, the bill will have to go to a conference committee to work out the differences.

We have received several spreadsheets comparing our current funding levels with the funding levels in the House and Senate bills. Under our current funding system, EISD is funded at the 47th lowest rate (with regards to target revenue established after the 05-06 school year) in the state. Under the proposed funding plan, EISD would receive additional state funds, but would still have one of the lowest funding rates in the state. According to latest reports, the new funding measure would provide all personnel on the teacher salary schedule with at least an $800 salary increase.

I have been in contact numerous times with our state representative, Betty Brown, and our state senator, Robert Nichols, concerning the funding situation with EISD. Both offices have been very supportive and have asked for feedback about different funding proposals. More updates on school finance will follow.

I want to thank the First Baptist Church of Eustace for hosting the baccalaureate service last night. It was a great evening for all in attendance.